We often find ourselves handling tough times these days. More pressures, more crises, more disturbing events in the news, more health issues, etc.

I share with you my secrets to handling tough times in the article below, which was originally published in the August, 2017 issue of Luminous Wisdom: Sophia. You can grab your copy of the magazine here: Sibella Publications – Luminous Wisdom: Sophia

But, how you numb the pain, hide, and/or find “home” can make a difference in the quality of your life.

In tough times, I center and ground myself in my connection to Source, and my deep knowing that everything happens for a reason. Those “reasons” keep me aligned with the Purpose for which I am designed to live. This natural sense of “home”, always available to me, reminds me I’m not alone, no matter how lonely I feel.

Whether my life, or my body, is challenging me (or both) I tune into my Inner Wisdom. I notice my feelings, their underlying thoughts and beliefs, and how my body is responding to them. I take stock of the dominant themes in my life, stress, and fears. Equally important are the whispered dreams and urgings of my Soul that I often easily dismiss. My pain and stress are guides to my opportunities for growth. All ARE the things that need to be addressed for my body to heal, and my life to course-correct.

What can you control when handling tough times?

The only thing I can control is my response to my situation. By finding the silver lining, choosing new positive thoughts, re-framing my beliefs, and aligning my actions with this new perspective, my body responds in healthier ways. Then, I know I’m back on track with my Purpose, naturally congruent with my design. When my mind and my actions are back on track, aligned with my design, fulfilling my Purpose, I feel better. I AM better, on all levels.

I also listen to my body and notice its response to help me make decisions. Unhealthy stress responses indicate that my choice may not be right for me, and/or that I’m experiencing normal human doubt and fear. Even the “right” decision can be stressful, but the quality of that stress is different than that related to a decision that isn’t best for me. “Good stress” is accompanied, and offset, by the positives of the situation. The excitement and “deep knowing” that I am living my Purpose. The key is learning to tell the difference between what is and isn’t best for me.

That doesn’t mean its always rainbows and roses.

Tough times help me to grow. Life’s about change, which can be difficult, as I fear the loss of the familiar, cherished, and loved, while opening to the new. Being an inefficient system, I may not heal completely and continue to live with “dis-ease” even after adopting healthier ways, perspectives, and habits. It also may be part of my journey to live with challenge, symptoms, dis-ease, etc.

Resting into my connection to Source and deep inner knowing helps me resolve anxiety, chronic pain and stress, and trust that all is going perfectly according to Divine Plan. I know I’m supported even when I break down.

Going with that flow IS following my heart, my Purpose. How do you handle the tough times?